The Ministry of Health and Social Development is appealing to the community to be considerate to persons with disabilities.

The Ministry, in an effort to address the overall goal of promoting an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, is collaborating with the Autism Centre and BVI Services to produce an awareness campaign.

Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms. Tasha Bertie said it is important that persons exercise courtesy and have consideration for persons with disabilities.

She added, “As we observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us remember to be courteous to these persons, not only as part of the commemoration, but always.  Let us adhere to the handicap signs posted throughout the Territory, in order for disabled persons to have an easier experience given their difficulties. ”

BVI Services Teacher Ms. Sara Husein applauded the efforts of the Government to include persons with disabilities. She said she is pleased to see the progress being made to include these persons and, as a teacher, she appreciated the efforts made by the Government to make the lives of persons with disabilities easier. Mrs. Husein also said persons with disabilities can learn once they are given the opportunity and adequate tools.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities was commemorated on Wednesday, December 3.  One of the day’s highlights was the airing of a commercial which addressed the inconvenience faced by persons with disabilities, when handicap spaces are obstructed or utilised by persons who do not have the need to occupy the space.  The commercial is being aired on JTV channel 55 or it can be viewed on the Government’s Youtube channel and Facebook page at BVI Government.

The observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities seeks to increase awareness of the gains from integrating persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. This year’s theme was: “Inclusion matters, access and empowerment of people of all abilities.”                               

The crucial aim of celebrating this event is to increase the awareness and understanding of the general population towards the disability issues of disabled persons.  It also aims to support disabled persons to get their self-respect, rights, welfare and security in the society.

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly. The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The mission of the Ministry of Health and Social Development is to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and improves the quality of life in the Territory, including the disabled population.